Crawl data donated by Alexa Internet. This data is currently not publicly accessible

TIMESTAMPS

March 25, 2004
Spokane, WA

Settlement Protects Freedom of Speech at Spokane Transit Plaza

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Justice (CFJ)
have reached an agreement with the Spokane Transit Authority to
protect freedom of speech at the Plaza in downtown Spokane. The
agreement settles a lawsuit challenging restrictions on free speech at
Plaza sidewalks that the groups filed on behalf of Donald Ausderau, a
Christian minister, and the Peace and Justice Action League of
Spokane. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Spokane in June
2003.

“Public sidewalks have traditionally served as public forums for free
speech. People who wish to exercise their rights will now be able to
do so without having to get the government’s permission beforehand,”
said ACLU staff attorney Aaron Caplan.

“The Plaza sidewalks are a central gathering point for the Spokane
community. We are pleased that the Spokane Transit Authority has
revised its policies to ensure an open forum for dialogue by citizens
and community groups. We appreciate the Authority’s willingness to
reach a constructive agreement that recognizes the importance of free
speech while honoring the Authority’s mission to serve public
transportation needs,” said CFJ attorney David Blair-Loy.

The settlement allows speakers, leafleters, musicians, and other
people who ordinarily use city sidewalks without a permit to use Plaza
sidewalks without a permit, too. Their activities will not be limited
to any particular time period. Previously, the Transit Authority
required anyone who wanted to engage in a “public communication
activity” on the sidewalk outside the Plaza building to get a permit
in advance, and the permit was good for a maximum of five hours a
week. The settlement narrows the policy’s application to persons or
groups who set up a table, chairs, or similar apparatus. Under the
settlement, the Authority may require speakers to stay 10 feet away
from bus exits and from passengers standing in line for a bus or
waiting on a bench, unless the speaker is invited to come closer.

Donald
Ausderau is a Spokane resident and minister who wishes to speak to the
public about religious and social issues on the public sidewalk
outside the Plaza. The Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane is
a nonprofit membership organization devoted to involving individuals
and local communities in building the foundations for a just and
nonviolent world. The group seeks to hand out leaflets and gather
signatures about political and social issues on the sidewalk outside
the Plaza.